NEW YORK – New Yorkers are feeling slightly more optimistic about the economy than they were earlier this year, even as many continue to struggle with rising everyday costs, according to a new Siena Research Institute consumer sentiment poll.
The state’s Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 66.5 in the second quarter of 2026, up 0.9 points from the first quarter. While the index remains below the level that signals overall optimism, New York continues to outperform the national consumer sentiment index, which fell to 49.5, its lowest level in 50 years.
The modest improvement in New York was driven by growing confidence about the future, even as residents’ views of current economic conditions declined slightly. Siena Research Institute Associate Director of Data Management Travis Brodbeck said New Yorkers appear more hopeful about where the economy is headed than consumers across the country.
Buying plans also showed cautious improvement. Interest in purchasing consumer electronics, vehicles, and making major home improvements all increased during the quarter, while plans to buy furniture remained essentially unchanged. Brodbeck said New Yorkers are still spending, but are doing so carefully, with buying plans changing little over the past year.
Despite the slight boost in confidence, the poll found that rising household expenses continue to weigh heavily on families. Nearly eight in 10 New Yorkers said food prices are having a serious impact on their finances, while about seven in 10 cited housing and utility costs. Gasoline prices also emerged as a growing concern, with 63 percent saying fuel costs are seriously affecting their budgets, up sharply from the previous quarter.
The financial strain is widespread. More than half of New Yorkers said food, housing and utility costs are all having a serious impact on their household finances, while nearly one in four said all six major monthly expenses measured in the survey including food, gas, housing, utilities, cell phone bills and entertainment costs, are placing significant pressure on their budgets.
“New Yorkers are feeling the pain at the pump, in the grocery store and at home,” Brodbeck said, noting that lower-income households continue to face the greatest financial challenges.
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